Democracy Drumbeat: November 22, 2022

Election Day is Over.. Now What?

Votes have been cast and counted, but the election season is not yet over in Michigan. So where does our election process go from here?

In Michigan, our elections are not officially over until the results are certified. Michigan law requires election results be certified, meaning there are a number of entities that help secure and verify the outcomes of our votes. But what are the next steps in finalizing and certifying the results of the 2022 midterm elections?

County Board of Canvassers

Each of Michigan’s 83 counties has a Board of County Canvassers composed of two Republican and two Democratic members. The Board members are responsible for certifying the votes cast in their county before results are certified at the state level. Certification of election results is done by a simple vote of each county Board.

The deadline for the County Board of Canvassers to certify election results is November 22nd, 2022.

State Board of Canvassers

Similarly, the Board of State Canvassers is composed of four members – two Republicans and two Democrats – who are appointed by the Governor.

This Board has the final duty of certifying the elections from the results received from the County Board of Canvassers. They will convene on November 28th, 2022.

Canvass Observers

Additionally, when each Board of Canvassers convenes, Michigan Open Meeting Laws ensure all citizens have advance notice of the meetings so they can observe the process. Observers are another key factor in securing the integrity of our elections. Observers attend these meetings to observe processes and decisions. Michigan LCV’s Elections Systems Organizer and Democracy For All team member Daniel Rivera recently attended the Van Buren County Board of Canvassers and said:

“I was very excited to attend the County Board of Canvassers meeting for Van Buren. I thought it was so cool that I got to meet every member on the board and hear out their partisan conversations and discussions. It was important for me to observe conversations to assure that these elected officials were completing their duties, but it was so great to see good work being done across the aisle.” – Daniel Rivera, Michigan LCV Elections Systems Organizer

Our democracy depends on these entities that help secure and certify the final results of our elections. Once votes are certified, we then move onto the next part of our democratic process which is the swearing-in ceremonies for our elected officials:

• Gubernatorial inauguration: January 1st, 2023
• Senate swearing in: January 3rd, 2023
• House of Representatives swearing in: January 3rd, 2023

Proposal 2 Passes, but what’s next?

Promote the Vote 2022 passed Election Night, putting voting rights at the forefront of the Michigan Constitution. Here’s what the passage of Proposal 2 will do for voters and our elections moving forward:

• Protect the right to vote a secret ballot
• Ensure that military service members and overseas voters get their ballots in time for their votes to count
• Provide voters with the option to vote straight party
• Automatically register citizens to vote at the Secretary of State’s office unless the citizen declines
• Allowing a citizen to register to vote until 15 days before an election by mail or in person. After that, citizens may register to vote in person with proof of residency up to and on Election Day
• Provide all registered voters access to an absentee ballot for any reason
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of elections by auditing election results

By passing Proposal 2, Michigan voters made it clear that there is broad support for building a healthy democracy and protecting the voting rights of all Michiganders, regardless of where they live, who they support, or what they look like. Proposal 2 will allow voters all across our state make their voices heard without fear of intimidation or violence, or whether their vote will count, for years to come.

Democracy All-Stars: Abby Simpson

Our “Democracy All-Stars” spotlight features champions working on the frontlines to protect our freedom to vote, engage voters and ensure our democracy works for everyone.

This week’s Democracy All-Star is Abby Simpson!

Abby is a member of the Democracy for All team at Michigan LCV Education Fund. Throughout the past several months, she has worked on our 313 Votes Direct Voter Contact (DVC) team, making voter contact calls and helping with our tables at local events to provide Michiganders with voting information and assistance. Prior to joining the DVC team, Abby graduated from Western Michigan University in 2021 with a double major in Political Science and Environmental Sustainability & Studies.

What compelled you to get involved in voting rights/systems change/democracy work?

During my time at Western Michigan University, I learned about the structure of our government, the legislative process and policies, and how these both impact current issues such as environmental justice, racism, poverty, and voting rights/accessibility. After learning about the many injustices Americans face each day, I decided to get involved in community and voter outreach efforts in hopes of creating a more equal and equitable world. I've always had a passion for leadership and making a positive impact in my community. My education and experience working on Congressional campaigns inspired and motivated me to get involved with Michigan LCV and make a lasting impact on Michigan communities.

What democracy issues do you think are most important in your community?

There are many democracy issues that face my community each day. Affordable housing, livable wages, accessible transportation and technology, available jobs, education, racism, and voting rights hinder my community. It is important to ensure that each and every individual has equal access to public resources and goods at a reasonable cost. Our government must ensure that communities have the resources to better themselves and implement change. It is crucial that all sectors receive adequate funding in order to be equipped to help the community and function effectively.

What is one of your proudest moments while working in the democracy space?

My proudest moment while working for Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund is being able to register and inform first time voters. Many people aren't aware of the wide variety of resources available for voters. The process of registering only takes a couple minutes. I love discussing the many ways to vote to ensure that no one skips an election because they are too busy. It is rewarding to be able to help others and the people I assist are so grateful for the information we provide. There are many people who are unsure of election dates, times, and locations, or how to go about the absentee voting process. Our calls simplify the voting process and push people to get out and have their voice be heard. I'm so thankful to be a part of such an amazing team!

Thank you, Abby, for your hard work and dedication to our democracy!

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Thanks for reading and have a great week!